Drinks Pub of the Year 2008: Fence Gate Inn, Nr Burnley, Lancashire

A drinks offer 'from cask to Crystal' added to a superb all-round pub experience helped the Fence Gate Inn pick up the Drinks Pub of the Year title at the Publican Food & Drink Awards.

Judges of the award were bowled over by a drinks selection ranging from five cask ale pumps to an extensive selection of wines and an extraordinary champagne offering that has seen the pub named an ambassador with supplier Louis Roederer.

Licensee Kevin Berkins has ensured that, although the freehouse has a popular brasserie to one side, the bar area has retained a genuine pub feel, with the dry side of the business taking no more than 55 per cent of turnover.

Drinks are well-communicated to customers at the pub in Fence, near Burnley, via blackboards and lists, including information such as ABVs.

Kevin says he doesn't see any need to use promotions to sell alcohol at the pub. "We do not promote happy hours, two-for-ones or larger measures. In today's climate there is a massive duty on the licence-holder, I believe, not to push," he adds.

A programme of promotional dinners, held in conjunction with champagne and wine suppliers, offers a great showcase for the drinks range however.

But it's relying on some good old fashioned principles that has been the true secret of the Fence Gate Inn's success.

"Other than dedication and determination to succeed I believe no single innovation has helped us succeed," says Kevin.

"It's more about the all-round effort, an awareness of changing markets and trends, and constantly being one step ahead of our competitors. Never ever rest on your success because one day some young entrepreneur will have your mantle."

Another secret is having staff fully on board with the business, via regular management meetings, with advice filtered down from person to person. Kevin also believes it is vital to lead by example at the pub, with all staff respecting him and the business.

Ultimately Kevin believes his 26 years of dedication to the business have resulted in an all-round solid package which is second to none.

"The Fence Gate Inn is known in the trade as a market leader that constantly modifies the wheel," he continues.

"And it's is the envy of most local businessmen - a public house recognised as being the hub of the local community. From cask to crystal, who's doing the same as us?"

Who indeed? And not only is the Fence Gate Inn a top pub - in October Kevin's cheese and sun blush tomato with a hint of basil sausage was named sausage of the year at the BPEX Foodservice Sausage Awards.

And now the Fence Gate Inn has another title to add to its ever-growing list of accolades.